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Breakfast Of Champions: Best Bagels In The ‘Burgh

August 10, 2011 5:55 AM

(Photo By: Stan Honda/AFP/Getty Images)

By Zara Husaini

Pittsburgh is known for a few things: pierogies, Primanti’s and zealous sports fans. Unfortunately, when it comes to bagels… well, let’s just say that we won’t be giving New York City a run for its money any time soon. In order to a get a great bagel in the Burgh, you really have to know where to find them. But as few and far between as these spots may be, delicious bagels do exist in Pittsburgh, and we’ve listed some of the best places to find them.

Voluto Coffee

Those who know Voluto rave about their lattes, which are sometimes hailed as “the best in Pittsburgh.” What people don’t know is that this is also one of the best places for a freshly baked, perfectly toasted bagel. Whether you like yours slathered in cream cheese or topped off with delicious toppings like egg, Canadian bacon, and Muenster cheese (the breakfast sandwich), Voluto serves up some of the city’s best bagels alongside its delicious coffee.

Mediterra Bakehouse

This Greek-run bakery has one of the most impressive varieties of baked goods in Pittsburgh. Everything from sandwich loaf to an absolutely sinful cherry cheesecake can be found at Mediterra. When it comes to bagels, there’s something for everyone. The cinnamon sugar flavor is sure to please sugar fiends, while bagel enthusiasts will love savory varieties like everything, garlic, and rosemary and olive oil.

(Photo By: Stan Honda/AFP/Getty Images)

La Bella Bean

This Bridgeville coffee shop serves up consistently tasty baked goods: from quiches to desserts, almost everything on the menu is wonderful. The bagels here are no exception, and there are a variety of flavors offered. But the must-try bagel dish here? The La Bella Bagel breakfast sandwich. It’s a smoked ham and cheese omelet served with lettuce and tomato, served on any flavor bagel. This is one of those irresistible, stick-to-your-ribs breakfasts that you’ll crave at any time of the day.

(credit: thinkstock)

Bagel Factory

Located right in the heart of Squirrel Hill, The Bagel Factory is known in many circles as Pittsburgh’s premiere bagel shop. In fact, fans go so far as to say that these bagels come close to those made in Long Island. The selection is large, and the texture of the bagels is the perfect balance of chewy and doughy. The best part? You can also add a few slices of fresh lox to the bagel of your choice – a bit of a rarity in city that doesn’t seem to be wild about bagels.